To assess whether ERG S.p.A. is suitable to issue hybrid bonds, we evaluate its financial health, debt capacity, and equity structure based on the 2022 annual report data: 1. **Profitability and Operations**: The company exhibits strong profitability, with revenue growing from 601.4 million EUR in 2021 to 713.8 million EUR in 2022. The operating profit (EBITDA) also showed significant growth (396.7 million EUR to 499.4 million EUR), indicating a solid ability to service interest payments. 2. **Solvency and Leverage**: The company has a substantial equity base (2.05 billion EUR in 2023). While total liabilities are high (3.17 billion EUR), a significant portion of this is managed through active financing strategies. The company has demonstrated the ability to access capital markets and maintain stable equity. 3. **Dividend Policy and Shareholder Returns**: ERG has consistently paid dividends (0.75 EUR/share in 2021 and 0.9 EUR/share in 2022), signaling strong cash flow management and investor confidence. 4. **Strategic Positioning**: As a major renewable energy player with a presence across several European countries, the company requires significant capital expenditure (as evidenced by the growth in Property, Plant, and Equipment and Service Concession Rights). Hybrid bonds are a common instrument for utility and energy firms to fund infrastructure projects while maintaining a favorable credit profile and equity-like treatment for capital structure optimization. Given the strong operating performance, the scale of current assets, and the nature of the business which necessitates long-term capital, ERG S.p.A. appears to be in a strong position to utilize hybrid instruments to manage its leverage while continuing to invest in growth. Strongly Suitable